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Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden

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<h1 style="line-height: 1.5;">Summer Reading Challenge 2025: Story Garden</h1>
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Throughout the summer, children joining the 2025 Summer Reading Challenge 'Story Garden' can discover new books, participate in free activities at their local library, and explore the link between reading and the great outdoors, where nature and imagination come together.
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Recent research shows that children&rsquo;s enjoyment and engagement in reading is in decline, despite research from the OECD showing that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child's future success &ndash; more important than either parents' educational background or household income!
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The Summer Reading Challenge supports children to get excited about reading throughout the summer, helping to maintain their reading at a time when engagement can often dip. There's also a host of FREE and fun activities taking place across libraires to get involved in each week.
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How do I take part?&nbsp; Signing up is easy! Simply visit your local Luton Library. Or, join online via <a href="www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk">www.summerreadingchallenge.co.uk</a>
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<img src="https://imagedelivery.net/oK4LF9ZyGMZuLOsFKpvm7A/UK2_d6071ace-a1f1-4ee4-8661-b160934ce572_638918111266434629/public" />
What do I have to do? Simply read 6 books of choice before 21st September. Each time you finish a book, visit the library. You will collect a special stickers and rewards along the way!
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Swim for only &pound;2.50 This summer, anyone who joins the challenge, can also swim at their local Active Luton swimming pool to enjoy a Fun Time Splash session for only &pound;2.50 per child! Ts&amp;Cs apply. <a href="https://www.activeluton.co.uk/terms-conditions">Find out more</a>.
&nbsp;
You can also get involved in a host of fun activities each week at your local library.&nbsp;
Whats happening at your local library&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/185687060@N03/54637742717/in/dateposted-public/" data-flickr-embed="true"><img src="https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/54637742717_4aa5ae4b03_b.jpg" alt="SRC Story Garden Timetable" width="1024" height="135" /></a>
Stories and Craft with the Wildlife Trust Join us at Lewsey Library for a wild and wonderful storytelling adventure in partnership with the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants! Listen to nature-inspired tales full of bees, bugs and butterflies, then enjoy a creative craft session to make something special to take home. It&rsquo;s part of this year&rsquo;s Summer Reading Challenge &ndash; where stories bloom and imaginations grow. &pound;2.50 per child (pay on the day) (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Book your place now</a> &nbsp; Inflatable Theatre Magic Show Prepare to be amazed! The Inflatable Theatre Magic Show is a spellbinding mix of laughter, wonder and imagination &ndash; perfect for families taking part in the Summer Reading Challenge. Expect surprises, giggles, and magical storytelling, all inspired by the Story Garden theme. Tickets &pound;3.75 per person (children &amp; adults) &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Join the fun &ndash; book here</a> &nbsp; Taleshakers &ndash; Next Generation Youth Theatre Let imaginations bloom with Taleshakers, a vibrant mix of storytelling, music, games and movement! Designed for little ones aged 0&ndash;6, each joyful session supports creativity, early language and confidence &ndash; all through play and rhythm. &pound;5.30 per child &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk on the day (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult).&nbsp; <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Reserve your spot today</a> &nbsp; Circus Workshop with Splats Circus Roll up, roll up! The Story Garden comes alive with our exciting Circus Workshop Learn to juggle, balance, spin and more with Splats Circus &ndash; perfect for ages 3 to 11. Whether you&rsquo;re a tiny acrobat or just love to clown around, this hands-on session is packed with fun! &pound;5.30 per child &ndash; pay at the enquiry desk on the day (children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult). <a href="https://www.lutonlibraries.co.uk/events">Secure your place now</a>

Summer Reading Challenge 2025

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Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the community. Months earlier, she documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town's most respected gentlemen - one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the murder on her own. Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

The frozen river

The frozen river

By: Lawhon, Ariel, author.

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